The win that began the season turnaround
You have to circle this game on the schedule as the beginning of the Predators push to save their season. They were sitting with a record of 9-13-4 and the tankers were thrilled that a lottery pick was in the future again.
The Predators were taking on a Panthers team that had just destroyed them to the tune of a 8-3 final score, but were coming in as winners of three of their last four. However, I circle this one over the other three because it came on the road and required a clutch defensive performance to hold the Panthers to just one goal.
The other three wins were against the Red Wings, Blackhawks and Flames. This one is still more impressive to me and what really at the time made me start wondering if this team has one more push left in them before the doom and gloom sets in.
This was also an impressive win because the Predators got their retribution after getting embarassed on home ice by this same team not long before that. They took it personal and wasn't going to allow that to happen again.
Furthermore, the Predators were down 1-0 entering the third period, and while they at least weren't going to let the Panthers score eight again, they did look to be heading for another loss. Ryan O'Reilly would break through at 13:41 of the third period, and Steven Stamkos would nail the overtime winner.
You've seen Stamkos' name come up a lot in these impressive wins, and for good reason. He has been a key catalyst, probalby the main catalyst, to why the Predators have salavaged their season and actually have a decent chance to be one of the two wildcard teams.
Stamkos is now up to 20 goals on the season, seven of those being game-winners. As for Saros, who is key to the Predators finding ways to beat there top tier teams, has now officially "stolen" six games dating back to December 4, per Adam Vingan.
Juuse Saros since Dec. 4: Six steals* in 16 starts (1.11 GSAE in 4-3 OT win vs. EDM).
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) January 14, 2026
*When a goalie’s goals saved above expected (GSAE) is larger than the margin of victory
Summary: He’s killin’ it.
With that said, a lot of teams are clustered up so a losing slump can send the Predators right back down towards the bottom again.
The Predators have some huge opportunities to add to this list with their upcoming schedule beginning later this week with a back-to-back on the road at Colorado and at Vegas. Both are current division leaders of the Central and Pacific. Then the Predators will host the red-hot surprise story of the NHL in the Buffalo Sabres.